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Lewis, McBride strike to lead 2-0 victory over El Salvador to open Gold Cup.
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McBride's two goals send U.S. past Martinique 2-0.
U.S.-Martinique analysis Easy American victory was just what coach Arena ordered.By Robert Wagman
(Monday, July 14, 2003) -- United States coach Bruce Arena couldn't have asked for more. His team defeated Martinique 2-0 with ease at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., winning Group C and advancing into the Gold Cup quarterfinals. The U.S. was required to expend a minimum of energy, which was important considering the Americans had played two days earlier. The opponent was probably as weak as any the U.S. has recently faced in an important match in recent memory, though the Americans could face a similarly small country in the newly-expanded first round of World Cup qualifying next year. Martinique was essentially a collection of semi-professionals who play in the domestic league on the island. Coach Théodore Antonin had hoped to bring a number of seasoned professionals based in France, but was unable to. So the Martinique squad tonight was big and fast, but not very skillful, and presented little challenge. Following Saturday night's 2-0 win over El Salvador, probably the best chance for Martinique, which hadn't yet played at the Gold Cup, tonight would have been to pressure the U.S. from the opening whistle, hoping the American legs would go. But the first half was played at a leisurely pace which is exactly what the U.S. needed. With Brian McBride's two goals in the first half, the match was essentially over after 45 minutes. Actually, except for some creative officiating by Panamanian referee Roberto Moreno, who seemed intent on keeping the match close, the U.S. could easily have had a 4-0 lead by the interval. A nicely taken goal by Landon Donovan was disallowed because a defender fell down and Moreno blamed Donovan, and several clear chances were stopped with penalty calls. In the second half, Martinique got physical and fouled the U.S. at will. Play became ragged, but at no time were the Americams challenged except for one giveaway by defender Bobby Convey which sent Jose Gorden in alone on goalkeeper Kasey Keller who handled the hard shot with ease. "We were a bit sloppy in the second half, due to the physicality of the game, a lack of sharpness and a little bit of fatigue." Arena said. "We've been through this before and the objective is just to get through to the next round. We are just happy to be in a position to be playing on Saturday in the quarterfinals." Tonight marked Keller's sixth straight Gold Cup shutout and his 32nd for the national team, tying Tony Meola for the most ever. Not many have been easier. Except for Gorden's breakaway, he did not face any challenge although Martinique was credited with a total of three shots on goal. A number of Americans excelled. McBride won "Man of the Match" honors by scoring one goal with his head, the other with his foot. He was a constant problem for Martinique. The two wing midfielders, Steve Ralston on the right and Eddie Lewis on the left, both produced strong efforts, leading much of the attack down the flanks. Ralston, in particular, helped his cause with his determined play tonight, assisting both goals, and also registering an assist as a substitute on Saturday. The U.S. back line played well, although the defenders were rarely put under much pressure. The outside defenders, Convey on the left and Frankie Hejduk pushed the ball forward well all night and were much involved in the offense. So the U.S. moves on to the quarterfinal Saturday, probably against either Canada or Cuba. That won't be known until Wednesday when Steve Sampson's Costa Rica plays Cuba. Cuba's 2-0 victory over Canada tonight 2-0 has thrown Group D wide open. A Costa Rica victory Wednesday will win the group with the U.S. facing the runnerup. U.S. player ratings Starters Goalkeeper Kasey Keller - 6.5: Only called on to make one hard save and it was a dandy. As always, was in full command of his area. His usual fine performance Defender Bobby Convey - 5.5: Ran himself ragged, pushing forward deep into the offense from his left back position. Worked well with Lewis in front of him. Played at the edge of losing control and his mistake nearly led to a Martinique goal. Needs to learn to play more within himself. Defender Carlos Bocanegra - 5.5: Was not called on to do very much, but was effective in shutting off several potentially dangerous thrusts. Came close to scoring a goal with a determined header. For the second time in three days, a solid enough match. Defender Cory Gibbs - 5.5: Showed tremendous range for a center back, much like the injured Eddie Pope. He still lacks experience and can get himself in trouble from time to time. A physical defender which is something the U.S. needs. Defender Frankie Hejduk - 6.5: A very good match from one of the most physically fit U.S. players. Pushed strongly forward all night, consistently creating problems, but got back and made no defensive missteps. His experience and pace is a big plus. Midfielder Richard Mulrooney - 5.5: Responded well enough to the start. Was not put under much pressure and was able to work with the defenders in shutting off most Martinique attempts to attack. Got into the offense from time to time, contributing to McBride's first goal but, at times, had his problems with giveaways. Midfielder Eddie Lewis - 6.5: Dominated the left side and caused all kinds of problems for Martinique. Continues to show how much he has improved in the last year after starting to play regularly in England. Midfielder Claudio Reyna - 6: Organized the offense well. Still not ready to play a full match. A solid 45 minutes on only two days rest. Midfielder Steve Ralston - 6.5: Picked up right where he left off Saturday night off the bench. Provided assists on both McBride goals. Was really a dominant player on the right side. Now must show he can perform like that against quality opponents. Forward Brian McBride - 7.5: One of his best performances for the national team. He scored two very nice goals and created numerous other chances. Did a lot of running, at times dropping far back to defend. His running off the ball created chances. Showed how much the U.S. needs him to be on his game. Forward Landon Donovan - 6.5: Worked hard and put himself in position to score on a number of occasions, and had one goal disallowed. Still, he blew several other golden opportunities. He must improve his goal-mouth finishing, but overall, he had a strong match. Reserves Midfielder Earnie Stewart (46th minute for Reyna) - 5.5: Put in to do the heavy running in the midfield and did so effectively. Played a lot of defense, but also got involved in the attack. Continues to have a problem with finishing, and probably should have had a goal. Continues to show he can fill an important role with the team. Midfielder Pablo Mastroeni (65th minute for Lewis) - 5.5: Although replacing a wing midfielder, played as another defensive mid. Made some nice defensive plays, but also gave the ball up several times. Not his best recent effort. Defender Greg Vanney (86th minute for McBride) - no rating A late appearance to add a defender in the final physical minutes. Helped shore up the tired U.S. legs in the midfield. Was effective.
Robert Wagman is a SoccerTimes senior correspondent and can be e-mailed at bob@soccertimes.com. |
